BA, Russia in dispute over using 747 on London-Moscow route

British Airways’ (BA) Boeing 747 service from London (LHR)-Moscow Domodedovo (DME) became uncertain after Russian civil aviation authorities said they did not approve the aircraft.

According to a Russia-UK bilateral agreement, carriers must coordinate with authorities the number of frequencies and aircraft type used on the route.

In September BA disclosed plans to fly the 747 on its LHR-DME route but Russian authorities have denied it gave approval, according to a representative from the Federal Air Transport Agency of Russia’s Ministry of Transport. BA, which currently uses a 767 and Airbus A320s on the LHR-DME route, is in negotiations with Russian authorities seeking permission to use the 747.

Market experts say the dispute stems from the UK’s refusal of a similar request from Transaero Airlines (UN) to use a 747 and 777 on its DME-LHR route, replacing 737s and 767s. Aeroflot (SU) may also be against BA’s use of the 747 on the route. The carrier operates mostly A320s on its Moscow Sheremetyevo (SVO)–LHR route. SU representatives refused to comment on the situation.

Article Source : ATW Daily News